Somerset Elementary School

5811 Warwick Place

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 20, 2025

Our two children are thriving at this wonderful school! This is our family's third year at this school, and truly, each year seems better than the last. The teachers are fabulous- extremely committed, caring and experienced. The curriculum is strong and further enriched by engaging field trips and speakers. The school community is extremely supportive and generous- all feel welcome and safe here. Somerset Elementary also has a very strong PTA, composed of dedicated parents who work collaboratively to support teachers, families and the school administration. Perhaps most importantly, Somerset Elementary's school administration is outstanding; we are incredibly lucky to have Principal Wiebe at the helm. He is the definition of a true leader, balancing both stability and growth with vision and standards of excellence. I could not more highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2025

Our children are so happy at Somerset. They are excited to go to school everyday, adore their teachers and have created strong friendships. The small school atmosphere lends itself to a close community led by a very involved PTA and foundation and an excellent administration. Our children have made significant gains academically, socially and emotionally thanks to Somerset's warm and caring atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2025

Somerset is a true gem. So lucky to be part of this community
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

Somerset feels like a small community school. You have the opportunity to be involved, know the staff, and have the opportunity to engage in many meaningful events. The school itself has been responsive and the PTA is active and open. Our children look forward to attending, which is rare. The teachers seem to genuinely care.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

Somerset Elementary has come a long way from when my son started in first grade pre-COVID. We have a new principal and it is a much smaller school population wise due to the district re-zoning. My younger son is now in third grade and I can say every year his teachers are excellent- engaging, intelligent thoughtful and are always available. They spend time with my son on enrichment activities and subjects. His specials (media, art, music, PE) have creative projects that he’s proud to talk about and share.The principal is accessible and engaging. The PTA has spent a considerable amount of time and resources to create community events- from a parent speaker series to student assemblies and of course fun outside events like movie night, international festival and a circle of giving dance. The Somerset Foundation offers scholarships for after school enrichment, provides resources for capital improvements (a new playground) and a fun end of year Luau where everyone gets a t-shirt! The community is welcoming, friendly and warm. It’s a special place!
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2021

This school has a lot of flaws. The principle hardly said anything to the parents about upcoming events regarding covid. The communication between the staff and parents is very inconsistent, the good teachers can help your child complete the work. On the otherhand the bad teachers will go to radio silence. If you dont contribute largley to the chool you will be shut down. Bullying is rampant through the school and nothing is being done about it. Overall, I had a very negative experience with this school.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2020

After reading the Negative reviews from 2015 until now, it is shocking how they are still True and we are almost in 2021, except now the issues of racism, discrimination, poor teaching, and bullying at this school, are now worse and glaringly apparent with zoom classes. Like past parents stated, if you are nonwhite, or do not contribute tremendously to the school, you and your child are ignored. The administration completely ignores concerns raised by multiple parents. Teachers are allowed to speak to students in condescending and disrespectful tones but demand unrealistic behavior from children. International parents concerns are dismissed. School violates mcps policies by retaliating against students who are not comfortable with being recorded on zoom. We will look for a better school.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2020

There are some amazing teachers at Somerset. And there is a culture where the teachers work very hard and care about all the students. The 5th grade team of teachers is especially good. Really outstanding!
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2019

I was shocked to see the reviews talking about the racism and bullying at this school, not because it isn't true (it is) but because usually no one wants to admit it.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2019

horrible, a lot of unstated discrimination by race; politics is very high here
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2018

Terrible. We left for a nearby Montgomery county school and life is tremendously better.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2017

Very mixed experience, most teachers are great and other frankly horrible. The school never informed us about the different math programs so our daughter ended up in a way to simple math program and it was impossible to have them to move her to the more advanced math. The music teacher is very disliked by most students, was even chocked to hear what students told when I asked them. Even our daughter in 4th grade whom used to love music told it is the worst class in school and that is so sad.
Submitted by parent on July 04, 2016

If you are African American and middle class or below, and your child is male, you may may not be accepted at this school. They a very snobby. The rich are brudded over. The African Americans are trouble makers. Also, the Ms. Morris, the principle is rude. She's not a good listener and if your not in absolute agreement with her, she will cut you off in the middle of your sentences and dismiss you. My son excelled academically but felt isolated and alone for 2 years. He had one good friend but he never got invited to any play dates. The school has a NAACP. Now I understand why. My son was isolated on several incidents were the white boys who were ruff playing didn't get in trouble and he did.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2015

Pros: Camp Summerset, led by Somerset teachers. Wonderful neighborhood camp that is everything a camp should be.Wonders, the on-site after care, is super convenient, affordable and very well managed (though the newer counselors are not quite as friendly, warm, and caring as those they replaced). Wonderful place for children to play, be creative, and socialize in a caring, supportive environment. Complemented by a wide array of third party after school programs; children can attend Mad Science and then go to Wonders until 6:30pm pick up. Active PTA offers many socializing opportunities.The school building is lovely and classrooms are well-equipped. The library is well-stocked. Cons:Far too much time on boring worksheets. Not much is done to encourage creativity. Somerset doesn't do the National PTA Reflections program like other MCPS schools.The teacher quality is inconsistent. We had one fabulous teacher who cared about the students, conveyed that she actually liked them, and got our child excited about learning. She has since retired. The art teacher and the PE teacher were excellent. We also had a third grade teacher who was very good. We had a kindergarten teacher who often seemed to have no clear lesson plan and typically took days to respond to emails. She seemed to have her attention focused on something else besides teaching. Lastly, we had one teacher who clearly favored girls over boys; she even made fun of a boy's lack of imagination during a lesson observed by parents during open house. Fortunately, her snub appeared to go over the child's head. She also showed questionable judgment regarding food allergies and engaged in behaviors that made the kids with allergies feel excluded.The principal is very pretty, friendly, and upbeat. She brings a positive energy to the school and is relatively easy to meet with in person. She listens and is empathetic, but did not exhibit follow up actions that we were aware of, so we cannot comment on her efficacy.If you have an active child with respiratory issues (e.g., asthma), the dust bowl of a playing field may be a concern. Parents have tried for over a decade to install artificial turf because natural grass simply won't thrive with the amount of use that the small field gets, but nothing has been done. See Google maps in satellite mode.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2015

We were concerned about the appropriateness of this school and therefore sent an educational consultant to observe. She felt that while the school presented a pleasant environment and the classrooms were managed well, there was an inappropriate amount of desk work. Her words were that by the time these kids reach 5th grade there will be no sign of creativity or personality left. She ultimately felt that it wouldn't be a good fit for our child. Unfortunately we found ourselves in the position of having to send our child there for a brief time. Sadly -- the children our child stayed in contact with have become surly and flat. I thought the parental influence would outweigh that but the school environment reigns supreme. Grateful we didn't remain. I have found the parents of the children who are from other countries to be highly critical of the school while the property owners can't stop singing it's praises, though some have complained about the learning to test mentality and the gossipy principal. There are many beautiful neighborhoods in this city. Buying in this neighborhood for the elementary school seems a bit naive. MCPS has the same curriculum throughout.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2013

I have been a parent at this school for 10 years. It's a great school and all of the teachers and specialists have always been superb (despite the old principal who was awful but since she left in 2011 the school has been on the right track with the current principal) ... There are lots of wonderful school activities throughout the year (my children especially adore the P.E. and art teacher, field day, and the daily outdoor recess/line-up). I wish that the school system would have specials (art, P.E. and music) more than once a week: two areas of improvement could be 1- the friendliness of the office staff, and 2- the lunch and recess aides- my children and their friends have consistently expressed concern that some just don't seem to care about some of the playground stuff -so rather than taking the time to get to the bottom of an issue they end up punishing the whole group rather than the few culprits who end up ruining it for the majority - perhaps they are just not as well-equipped as the teachers are to deal with children... like I said teachers are great and my three children have/are receiving a great education. We are very happy there ...
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2013

The principal is political and cold. His office is very cold for people need to transfer in from other districts.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

Incredible school! The teachers are beyond compare! I couldn't be happier with my child attending this school. Furthermore, Somerset Elementary School hosts a great summer camp -- Camp Summerset! Everyone should check it out - my children have been going there for the past 3 years!!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

Exceptional school. The new principal is awesome. The PTA is very active and there are a lot of family events organized by/at the school (doughnuts with dads, reading night, ice- skating, dance party, musical production,...). The level is excellent with lots of opportunities for students to learn more and thrive. We love it!
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2012

I want to give this school a 5 star but I can,t. The teacher who I won,t mention is nothing but structured and a professional at the very least. The principal I don,t really know but I do know she is always walking around with a walkie talkie at the end of the day. She is a young professional. Also she has just started as principal not to long ago. Now the staff hmmm very cold and not up to date on things and don,t care to be. A simple question as to what are the procedures to afterschool care and you will get an answer that is I don,t know call this number. We came out of state and our child was kept out of class for almost a week because of misinformation and they stood by it not trying to fix it. I can go on and on but the staff needs to have a little tlc. If your wrong and you know your wrong just fix it. Our situations could have been answered easily with a phone call or two. Love the school just stay out of the office : )